Why Did I Dream of a Baby With Down Syndrome

What is Down syndrome?
What causes Down syndrome?
What are the chance factors for Down's syndrome?
What are the symptoms of Down's syndrome?
What are the other associated bug of Down syndrome?
How is Down syndrome diagnosed?
How to care for Down's syndrome in babies?
Tin you forestall Downwards syndrome in infants?
How to manage life for a babe with Down's syndrome?
Frequently asked questions

Downwardly syndrome is a genetic disorder that is caused due to the presence of an extra prepare of chromosome 21. Down's syndrome in babies can lead to developmental delays and intellectual disabilities and also increment the take chances of heart diseases and thyroid.

The symptoms of Downwardly syndrome can affect the child physically and psychologically. Read on to know more near Down syndrome, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures.

What is Down syndrome?

Downwardly syndrome is a status where the person has an extra prepare of the chromosome 21, which is besides the smallest human autosome. It ways at that place are three chromosomes instead of two, which gives Down syndrome the name trisomy 21 (ane).

The genetic material from the actress chromosome affects the development of the embryo, causing a series of abnormalities that have a lifelong effect on the individual.

Trisomy 21 was commencement accurately described past the English physician John Langdon Downwards in the twelvemonth 1866. The condition has been called Downwardly syndrome since then (2).

What Causes Down syndrome?

Genetic abnormality of the chromosome 21 is the fundamental cause for the status. The defect itself can happen due to 3 reasons, leading to three types of Down syndrome:

one. Multiple copies of chromosome 21: It the most common form of Down syndrome, referred to equally trisomy 21. Here, the babe is born with three copies of chromosome 21.

The ovum and the sperm comprise 23 chromosomes each, which are passed on to the embryo (babe). Thus the embryo or the zygote has 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). However, during cell division in the womb, the fetus abruptly develops an extra re-create of chromosome number 21, which leads to trisomy 21. Nigh 95% of babies born with Down's syndrome have trisomy 21.

two. Broken chromosome: The baby is born but with a broken chromosome 21. The cleaved office of the chromosome 21 attaches itself to chromosome 14, leaving the chromosome 21 incomplete and the 14th chromosome with an extra zipper.

3. It primarily happens due to genetic mutations in the egg or sperm, which means the begetter or mother, even though healthy, passed a gamete that contained an unusual genetic mutation. This blazon of Down syndrome is called Translocation Down syndrome, and it accounts for 3-four% of Down syndrome cases.

4. Mixed trisomy: It is also chosen Mosaic Down syndrome and is very rare, constituting less than 1% of all Down's syndrome cases. In this case, some cells of the body take 3 copies of chromosome 21, while the rest have a normal pair of chromosome 21. Those with this condition have the same characteristics as those with trisomy 21, but sometimes the symptoms are less severe.

Down's syndrome is fundamentally a upshot of a chromosomal abnormality. Only no one precisely knows what causes the genetic mutation (3). However, the factors that seem to increase the chance accept been identified.

[ Read: Symptoms Of Turner Syndrome In Babies ]

What Are The Run a risk Factors For Down syndrome?

Maternal age is the unmarried virtually disquisitional factor that can increment the chances of a infant being born with Down syndrome (four). Women to a higher place the age of 40 have the highest risk of having a babe with Down's syndrome.

The following tabular array tells you about the chances of having a babe with Down's syndrome at different maternal ages (two):

Maternal Age	Take chances
30	1 in 900
31	i in 800
32	one in 720
33	1 in 600
34	i in 450
35	i in 350
36	one in 300
37	ane in 250
38	one in 200
39	1 in 150
40	1 in 100
41	one in 80
42	1 in seventy
43	1 in fifty
44	ane in 40
45	one in 30
46	1 in 25
47	ane in xx
48	1 in fifteen
49	1 in 10

Do note that women younger than xxx also have a adventure of having a infant with Down syndrome, although information technology is significantly bottom compared to older women. The symptoms of Down syndrome vary from one individual to another, depending on several parameters other than the age of the mom.

What Are The Symptoms Of Downwardly Syndrome?

Infants with Downward syndrome can have the normal size and weight at nascence. It is merely somewhen that the condition may get more pronounced. The symptoms of Down syndrome vary, only the following are the most typical ones (5):

Small-scale, slanted, almond-shaped optics that turn upwards. The skin over the upper eyelid may also seem a chip droopy. Altitude betwixt two optics is longer than usual.
Small nose with a flattened span (nose cartilage).
Modest ears that slightly fold up.
Curt cervix.
A small rima oris, which the child has trouble closing. The natural language may appear longer due to this.
Small hands and fingers. They might accept one or ii creases on the palm instead of the usual iii creases.
Shorter superlative than their peers.
Low muscle tone likewise called hypotonia. Information technology may go evident once the baby grows older.
Some children may have built heart disease i.eastward., defect in the middle, which may requite some symptoms related to it.

These are the general symptoms of the status. If you observe these symptoms, take the babe to a md for a diagnosis.

[ Read: Causes Of Greyness Baby Syndrome ]

How Is Down syndrome Diagnosed?

There are 2 ways of diagnosing Down syndrome: before birth (prenatally) when child is in the mother'south womb or after birth. The following are the salient points near the diagnosis (7):

1. Prenatal tests

These tests are divided into screening tests and diagnostic tests.

i. Screening tests

Screening tests only await at the probability of the female parent having a baby with Down syndrome. The advantage of these tests is that they tin be carried out during the early on stages of pregnancy and sometimes even before conceiving.

Blood exam: A blood sample from both the parents is sent for laboratory analysis. The test checks for genetic mutations and other abnormalities that could increment the hazard of the babe having Down syndrome. This examination may not accurately predict Down syndrome, but can be washed earlier conceiving, which is advantageous for high-risk women including those over the historic period of 40. Blood tests during pregnancy are performed at dissimilar stages for authentic diagnosis.

Ultrasound scan: This is similar the usual ultrasound scan for expecting mothers. However, in this case, the doctor may look for specific features in the fetus such equally a brusque nose, short neck bones, and heart defects that point towards Down's syndrome.

Fetal MRI: It is done if the dr. is positive that the fetus could accept Down syndrome. In this case, the mother is placed in the MRI auto and the fetus tested within the womb. Since MRI provides an authentic image of the body tissues, information technology can atomic number 82 to a much precise diagnosis of Downwardly syndrome. MRI is safe during pregnancy and will non take any bear on on the developing fetus (8).

ii. Diagnostic tests

Diagnostic tests can accurately (almost a 100%) make up one's mind if the fetus has Down syndrome. On the downside, these tests may place the condition only at 12 to 15 weeks a later on stage of pregnancy. Besides, most of these tests are invasive, i.east., requiring a sample of the amniotic fluid or placenta, which increases the gamble of miscarriage or passing an infection to the fetus.

Amniocentesis: A test where a small amount of amniotic fluid is drawn from the womb through a syringe (9). Amniocentesis is conducted in the second trimester, after 15 weeks of gestation. The amniotic fluid is sent for laboratory analysis to determine defects in the chromosome 21. A medico may strongly recommend the test for expectant mothers over the age of 35, whose ultrasound or MRI betoken fetal anomalies.
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS): It is as well called cordocentesis. A blood sample from the umbilical cord is collected for genetic testing. It is quite similar to amniocentesis, except here the blood is tested instead of the amniotic fluid (x).
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): A biopsy is performed to collect a tissue sample of the placenta, which is sent for lab testing. The test is conducted during the first trimester between 10-fourteen weeks of gestation.

2. Tests at birth

These tests are performed once the baby is born. A doctor may perform these tests whether or not the baby is diagnosed with Down syndrome earlier nativity.

Physical test: The medico checks for the tell-tale signs of Down syndrome such as the presence of shorter nose bridge, slanting eyes, trouble endmost mouth, tone of the muscles etc. Prenatal reflexes are as well checked for detecting abnormalities.
Blood test: If the doctor suspects something wrong, or if the babe had a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis, and then a blood test is imperative. A rapid blood exam can help discover Down's syndrome inside a calendar week afterward birth.

One time diagnosed, the doctor will tell you near the further course of action.

[ Read: Sandifer's Syndrome In Babies ]

Is There A Treatment For Down Syndrome In Babies?

At that place is no cure for Downwardly syndrome, which is a lifelong status (eleven). However, the health problems that accompany Down's syndrome are oftentimes treatable through the following methods:

1. Surgery: Atmospheric condition like congenital heart defects and intestinal problems tin be rectified through surgery before long after the baby is born.
2. Medication: Chronic bug like thyroid issues and constipation are alleviated with the assistance of medicines that assist the organs part correctly.
3. Adequate immunization: Vaccinating the infant as per schedule tin can reduce their susceptibility to infections.
iv. Tools and equipment: Glasses can correct vision problems while hearing aids tin can help the child hear properly.
five. Lifestyle changes: Since those with Down syndrome are prone to obesity, parents tin can consider specialized nutrition and exercises that help the little one maintain a good for you weight.

Next, we tell y'all about the other related problems a baby can have along with Down syndrome.

What Are The Other Associated Problems Of Down syndrome?

A baby with Down syndrome could suffer from several collateral wellness problems. Here are the most common ones (6):

Congenital heart defect: Nearly 50% of babies born with Down's syndrome have some form of a congenital center problem. There are several types of congenital heart problems, and the babe could exist susceptible to whatever of them.
High pulmonary artery blood force per unit area: The arteries in the lungs become constricted, adding pressure on the heart to pump deoxygenated blood through the pulmonary avenue. It causes high claret pressure within the pulmonary artery, a condition called pulmonary hypertension.
Hearing problems: One of the risks is the loss of hearing or difficulty hearing. Those with Down syndrome are also more decumbent to ear infections.
Obstructive sleep apnea: The airways within the throat collapse during sleep, leading to a constriction, which in plow leads to a disturbed sleep. Sleep apnea tin also cause weather condition like snoring and snorting during slumber.
Gastrointestinal problems: The baby may develop gastrointestinal malformations and deformities such as Hirschsprung'south Disease, where the nervus endings in the pocket-size intestines exercise not function properly. It prevents smooth passage of stool through the bowel, leading to chronic constipation. Babies with Downwardly syndrome are also prone to being overweight or obese later in life.
Problems with the vision: Middle issues such as cataract are pervasive among those with Down syndrome. About 50% of individuals with Down syndrome will require glasses to correct their vision.
Thyroid problems: The child may have issues in the secretion of the thyroid hormone.
Slower cognitive evolution: Infants and toddlers with Down syndrome are slow learners due to delayed cognitive evolution when compared to others. Their IQ as well remains low causing scolestic backwardness.

[ Read: Marfan Syndrome Symptoms In Babies ]

Can You Prevent Down Syndrome In Infants?

At that place is no way to preclude Down syndrome since it is not known how to avoid the genetic defects that cause the status.

Late maternal historic period is one factor, which you may desire to avoid. However, this does not guarantee prevention.

Having a chromosome analysis and screening during pregnancy are a few ways to be prepared for a life with a child that has Down's syndrome.

How To Manage Life For A Baby With Down syndrome?

Children with Down's syndrome are happy babies and are not entirely limited in any form and can perform daily tasks such as learning how to talk, walk, go to the toilet, and express their feelings through language. They achieve these milestones slowly when compared to other children of their age. However, with acceptable care and direction, infants with Downward syndrome can abound to be similar any other fellow member of the society.

Below are some ways that aid y'all live a fulfilling life with a child having Down's syndrome (12):

1. Support groups:

Contact a support group that tin give y'all admission to resources and data related to Down syndrome. It can assist you understand your babe better.
Infants with Down syndrome conduct differently from their peers without the syndrome, making it hard for the parent to translate their child's body language and personality traits.
You can detect links to these support groups on the spider web, or ask your dr. or visit a child advisor about it.

2. Therapy

Therapy is vital for a child with Down's syndrome since it allows him/her to fit into society better and can help through the formative years.
Your baby volition get-go demand to undergo physical therapy that will allow them to crawl, roll, and stand during the early years. Therapy can assistance the kid establish ideal torso positions and movement styles that strains the body less while compensating for the low musculus tone.
A language and spoken communication therapy volition help the child speak improve, lay the foundation for better vocabulary and develop language skills later in life. A speech therapist can train the child with basic words and ways of using the facial muscles to make the right pronunciations.
Babies with Down's syndrome will also need emotional and behavioral therapy as they grow older. It can brand things less frustrating in the teenage years when the child experiences a lot of physical and mental changes.
Young adults with Down's syndrome could benefit from occupational therapies. This therapy may beginning when your little one is immature but gets more than imperative during early adult years. The purpose of the therapy is to equip the child with skills and make them every bit independent as possible.

iii. Motivation is vital

Motivation is the positive reinforcement that children with Downwardly syndrome demand throughout the growing years.
It is important to not make the child experience handicapped or limited in any way, because of the disorder.
Let the kid to play, mingle, talk, and socialize with other children. The more they see themselves as part of an ordinary group, the less they sense their limitations.

Eventually, it is parents who play a vital role in laying the foundation for the child's bright future. Complete sensation and knowledge well-nigh the status are the just way to manage it meliorate. Next, we reply a few commonly asked questions nearly Down syndrome in babies.

[ Read: Autism Signs In Babies ]

Frequently Asked Questions Almost Downwards Syndrome In Babies

one. Can smoking cause Down's syndrome in babies?

There is limited research on the effects of maternal smoking and Down's syndrome in infants. Most studies on the matter either lead to no conclusion or find no reliable link between the ii (13) (xiv). However, smoking is known to cause birth defects and experts recommend quitting smoking if you are pregnant or trying to conceive (15).

ii. Can drugs cause Down syndrome?

While it is not certain that drugs can lead to Downward syndrome, experts state that usage of maternal medicinal drugs and recreational drugs (narcotics) can increase the chances of genetic abnormalities like Down syndrome (xvi). So information technology is best to quit taking narcotics even before y'all endeavour conceiving. If you are on some medication, and so consult your doctor before conceiving or when pregnant.

3. Can babies with Down syndrome breastfeed?

Yes. Infants with Downward syndrome tin breastfeed but may have trouble suckling due to depression musculus tone and may get tired sooner while breastfeeding. You can consult a lactation consultant for help if needed (17).

four. Will a kid with Down syndrome achieve developmental milestones differently?

Yes. Babies with Down's syndrome will reach all milestones, albeit slowly when compared to their peers without the condition (18). Therapy and intervention should minimize the filibuster in accomplishment.

v. Can a child with Down syndrome attend college?

Yes. Most educational institutions practise not discriminate on genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Most of these children are slow learners. If your child studies well and secures expert grades, they can get into a higher (19). There are also special colleges that cater to individuals with Down's syndrome, with a specially compiled curriculum.

6. What will my life be with a child with Down syndrome?

Your life is going to be as fulfilling every bit it would be with a child who does not accept Down syndrome. Children with Downwards syndrome can grow upward to be essential members of the order like other individuals. They are very happy and loving babies. While their healthcare expenses are higher and their life expectancy lower than others, they tin yet have an accomplished life. Thanks to advanced medicine, the life expectancy of those with Down's syndrome has also increased significantly, and several individuals live upwards to ripe old age (20).

Having a baby with Down syndrome makes your life different. There is always a worry nigh the futurity, but when you live in the moment, you realize that children with Down syndrome are no different than others. They throw tantrums, deed fussy, and smile when y'all read their favorite book. As your kid grows and starts to live life like other kids, the fact that your child has a genetic disorder volition fade out of your mind. Remember, your child tin can have no limitations as long as y'all offer your dearest and support.

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